Jennifer Barzaga’s Landslide Win Keeps Family Dynasty in Control of Dasmariñas

Jennifer “Jenny” Barzaga won Dasmariñas City’s congressional special election by a landslide, returning the Cavite fourth-district seat to the family that has dominated the city’s politics for nearly three decades.

The incumbent mayor received 201,893 votes from 258,371 ballots cast. Former Vice Mayor Raul Rex Rosario Mangubat finished with 30,373 votes, while former councilor Jacinto Frani Jr. placed third with 24,350. Marvin Dupal-ag received 1,184 votes and Leysander Ordenes 561.

Turnout reached 57.75 percent of the district’s 447,387 registered voters. The election took place after Jennifer’s son, 27-year-old Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, was expelled from the House on June 2 following an 11-month stint that ended over “disruptive” and “disorderly” conduct.

The result restores the Barzagas’ hold over a congressional position they have controlled for much of the district’s existence. The fourth district, created in 2009, consists entirely of Dasmariñas City.

The family’s local dominance began with Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr.’s election as mayor in 1998. He later represented the city in Congress and died in the United States in 2024. Jennifer succeeded him as mayor in 2007, represented the district in Congress, then returned to the mayoralty in 2019. She won reelection in 2022 and 2025. Her son and current vice mayor, Thirdy Barzaga, is expected to take over as mayor under local succession rules once she assumes the congressional seat.

Mangubat conceded on Saturday night before the final count ended. “Democracy is not just about our right to choose. It is also about the humility to accept and respect the decision of the majority,” he said while thanking his supporters.

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Democracy is not just about our right to choose. It is also about the humility to accept and respect the decision of the majority.